Government Introduces Amendments to the Civil Marriage Act

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 17, 2012) - The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the introduction of amendments to the Civil Marriage Act, which will provide an avenue for dissolution of marriages between non-residents performed in Canada.

"Recently it came to light that there was an anomaly in our civil marriage laws," said Minister Nicholson. "We are fixing the anomaly in the law."

Under current law, some marriages performed in Canada cannot be dissolved in Canada. These amendments will make all marriages of non-resident couples that were performed in Canada valid under Canadian law, and will also allow these couples to end their marriages if they cannot get a divorce where they live.

The process for ending these marriages will not address issues such as child or spousal support. Any arrangements for property, custody and access to children or support will be determined in the jurisdiction where the couple lives.

An online version of the legislation will be available at www.parl.gc.ca.

(Version francaise disponible)

Contact Information

Julie Di MambroPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Justice613-992-4621